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Creamy Classic Southern Potato Salad

creamy classic southern potato salad - featured image

A creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet Southern potato salad that’s a perfect side dish for barbecues, potlucks, and family dinners. Made with simple ingredients and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds Yukon Gold or red potatoes, washed and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 large eggs, hard-boiled and chopped
  • 1 cup good-quality mayonnaise (preferably Duke’s)
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red or white onion
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt to taste (start with 1 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon)
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or celery seed

Instructions

  1. Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until tender but still firm, about 12-15 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. In a separate pot, cover eggs with water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, turn off heat and cover pot. Let sit for 12 minutes, then transfer eggs to cold water to cool. Peel and chop once cooled.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  4. Add cooled potatoes, chopped eggs, celery, and onion into the dressing bowl. Gently fold to coat everything evenly without breaking the potatoes.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight is better) to let flavors meld. The salad will thicken as it chills.
  6. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle with smoked paprika or celery seed if desired.

Notes

Avoid overcooking potatoes to prevent mushiness. Cool potatoes before mixing to keep dressing from separating. Use a gentle folding motion to maintain potato texture. Chilling overnight improves flavor. Fresh eggs are harder to peel; slightly older eggs are better. Optional smoked paprika or celery seed adds extra flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato salad, Southern potato salad, creamy potato salad, classic potato salad, picnic side dish, barbecue side dish